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Guangze Clinic Accused of Secret Filming; Police Search Five Branches, Detain Managers

From Liberty Times · (3h ago) Chinese Critical tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Police in New Taipei City have searched five branches of the Guangze Clinic following accusations of installing hidden cameras.
  • The investigation was prompted by online complaints alleging 'smoke detector' style surveillance devices in treatment rooms.
  • Investigators have seized relevant video lines and hard drives, and five branch managers have been brought in for questioning.

A significant investigation is underway in New Taipei City, targeting the Guangze Clinic chain after allegations surfaced of hidden cameras being installed in treatment rooms. Prompted by online accusations, specifically a complaint on Threads detailing a 'smoke detector' shaped surveillance device on the fifth floor of a branch, police have launched a large-scale search of five clinic locations. This development follows a similar scandal involving the Ai Er Li medical aesthetics clinic, indicating a worrying trend in the industry. Investigators have seized crucial evidence, including video lines and hard drives, and have detained five branch managers for questioning. The Guangze Clinic's management has reportedly claimed ignorance regarding the installation of these surveillance systems. From a Taiwanese perspective, this incident raises serious concerns about patient privacy and trust in medical institutions. The public's reaction, fueled by social media, highlights a demand for transparency and accountability. The Liberty Times' reporting emphasizes the thoroughness of the police operation and the potential legal ramifications, framing it as a critical issue of 'obstruction of secrets' and a violation of patient consent, as many consumers were allegedly unaware of any recording practices.

Banqiao Fuzhong Guangze, the 5th floor also has a smoke detector, and every time I have hair removal laser, I expose my lower body in this room.

โ€” NetizenA social media post that triggered the police investigation into Guangze Clinic.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.